Questions about your child’s accommodation and school support? Talk to an Undivided Navigator! Membership plans start at just $9/month after the free trial, and scholarships are available. Get your first two sessions with a Navigator free→
Every child learns differently, and the right accommodations can make all the difference. By changing how kids learn, accommodations help level the playing field across every part of school life — from the classroom setup to reading, math, testing, writing, behavior, health, P.E., and more. As the new school year begins, it’s crucial to make sure the supports our kiddos need to thrive are not only in place but actually happening in the classroom.
This week, we’re tackling your biggest questions on accommodations — from what’s the difference between an accommodation and a modification to what to do if a teacher isn’t providing the supports outlined in your child’s IEP or 504 plan. Plus, see real-life examples from preschool to college (and all the years in between)!
Trying to make sense of accommodations and modifications?
To learn more, start with What You Need to Know About IEP Accommodations and Modifications. Then hear from Education Advocate Dr. Sarah Pelangka in How the Difference Between Modifications & Accommodations Can Change Your Child’s Future. She shares practical tips and explains why you should never write “as needed” in an IEP.
Getting supports on paper is one thing. Making sure they actually happen in the classroom is another. Check out our articles What to Do If Teachers Aren’t Implementing IEP Accommodations and What to Do When Modifications Aren’t Working as They Should for practical tips and real-life examples to troubleshoot and advocate effectively.
Sample accommodations for every child
Accommodations look different for every child and every setting. From preschool to college, autism to SLDs, testing to learning at home, we’ve got sample accommodations to make accessing all areas of learning work for your child. And for Undivided members — don’t miss our one-page printable template you can use to share your child’s accommodations with their teachers!
- List of Accommodations for IEPs and 504s
- Preschool Accommodations
- School Supports and IEP & 504 Accommodations for Autism
- IEP and 504 Accommodations for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)s
- College Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
- Tools & Accommodations for State Testing
- Ideas for School Accommodations When Learning from Home
Dear parent,
Wondering what Undivided Navigator support actually looks like? Hear from Navigator Kelly!
Parent survey: high school graduation options in California
We’ve been hearing more questions from parents about California’s alternative pathway to a high school diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities. You can help us answer questions in our community and connect families with resources by telling us about your experiences. Please fill out this brief survey to help us understand what information schools are telling parents and what support families need. (Some schools start making decisions that will affect a child’s high school track as young as elementary school, so please fill out the survey even if your child is not yet in high school!) You can opt in to receive the survey results and more information about the alt diploma.
Catch the event recap
Missed our live conversation with Education Attorney Dina Kaplan on district budget deficits, possible federal cuts, staff shortages, and what it all means for our kids’ education? Or just want a quick refresher? Catch the event recap where she tackles 7 big parent questions — or watch the replay video (with full transcript).
Free virtual event: RSVP now→ Behind the Scenes with a Former Director of Special Education.
Ever wonder what’s really said behind closed doors in special education? This event goes beyond the IEP table so you can understand how decisions are really made — and what families can do to make sure their child’s needs are truly heard. Join us on Thursday, November 6, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. PT for a FREE event where Dr. Diana Fannon — former special education director, parent of a child with disabilities, and a disabled advocate herself — will answer questions and share insider insights. RSVP here→
Join us for office hours
Do you have questions about public benefits systems that help support your child, like Regional Center, Medi-Cal, or IHSS? Join us for office hours on Wednesday, October 8, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT with Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck! Office hours Zoom sessions are open to Undivided members only, so if you’re not a member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week.
Upcoming Undivided Conversations
Tune in on our Facebook page to watch!
- October 4 at 10:00 a.m. PT – IEP Accommodations. Join us in this re-streamed conversation all about the ins and outs of accommodations with Special Education Advocate Dr. Sarah Pelangka, BCBA-D and Educational Therapist Dr. Marcy Dann, EdD, BCET, FAET.
- October 5 at 10:00 a.m. PT – Accommodations, Modifications, and the Fine Line. Join us in this re-streamed conversation with Education Advocate Dr. Sarah Pelangka, BCBA-D as she explains the difference between accommodations and modifications in an IEP, and gives advice about what to watch out for.
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Hear one parent explain how accommodations have benefited her child with a disability, and how Undivided Navigator Kelly helped! Watch on our YouTube channel→
Is your child actually getting their accommodations and/or modifications? Save this Instagram post for tips on following up→
Is there a classroom accommodation that became a gamechanger for your child? Share your parent wins in our private Facebook group→
Know someone in your network who wants to learn more about how accommodations benefit kids with disabilities? Share Undivided’s resources on LinkedIn→
From our podcast: Undivided Voices
Episode 2: Socialization and Inclusion for Kids with Disabilities
Listen for tips from inclusion expert Dr. Mary Falvey on how schools and parents can foster peer connections and open doors to extracurriculars. Plus, how IEP goals can help students with disabilities feel truly included. Available wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
